Philz Coffee

1313 9th St, Berkeley, CA

★★★★★4.5(836 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This Berkeley institution has built a devoted following around meticulously crafted coffee drinks and a genuinely laid-back atmosphere that invites you to linger, though recent growth has created some inconsistency in both quality and service priorities. Serious espresso enthusiasts praise their signature blends and creative specialty drinks, while the peaceful vibe makes it ideal for both focused work and meaningful conversations. Fair warning: popularity has come with trade-offs—prices have climbed and execution can be uneven depending on when you visit—but at its best, Philz captures what made Bay Area coffee culture special in the first place.

What to expect

MeetingsSignature drinksEspresso focusedLaptop friendlyTraditional drinksSpecialty drinksSlow sit

Google Reviews

Cesar Flores
★★★★★4 months ago

For the price of a single coffee the quality has gone down ever since they became super popular. I remember the days when employees actually truly cared about the art of making a coffee and ensuring that the customers were happy with their coffees. Now, it’s all about getting the coffees out with zero quality control whatsoever…. I miss the old Philz days.

Jonathan Davis
★★★★★5 months ago

To-go orders were prioritized over in-person customers; we waited forever with barely anyone in store. The chai was absolutely the worst I've ever had. Not to mention two standard medium drinks cost $14? And a fake replica of Philz' hat was hung up abysmally on a plastic target hook like it was a real shrine representing anything more than his sellout. Philz is now owned by a private equity company and you can feel it through and through. You could have sold it to your employees and been fine. But congrats on your private equity buyout and getting that bag.

Gary Toms
★★★★★a year ago

Seriously. Not every day I visit a place where the service is great, the atmosphere is peaceful and the drinks/food is awesome. Was my first time here by accident, I'm usually a Starbucks person but now Starbucks feels like gas station coffee compared to this place. I had the Rose Iced Coffee. 10/10 definitely recommend trying it!! I read the google reviews and had to see what the hype was all about.

Regina Griffin
★★★★★2 years ago

Serious coffee drinkers listen up Phillz is the Best cup of Java I've experienced in some time. Move over Pete's. I loved this coffee. The atmosphere is inviting and laid back. I could get comfortable here with lots of tables outside. This spot could be addictive... You've been warned.

B V
★★★★★2 years ago

I love mornings! ☀️It’s a good Monday to be grateful for life, peace and good coffee. Philz coffee is a longtime Bay Area favorite so I’m happy to be sitting here enjoying a hot cup of Tesoro which is a beautiful blend of caramel and citrus. I loved going to the one at the Marina when we lived in the city. I like that they’ve upped their coffee game. It’s more sophisticated with all types of pour overs hot and cold. This location has a nice vibe as well. I really liked my barista, too. Nice people at the register as well. All you coffee places, listen up: How you treat customers matters. 😉

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